Menpora Zainudin Amali Strengthens Indonesian Athletes Competing In The Tokyo Olympics

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali on Thursday confirmed the Indonesian athletes, who will compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, virtually as an effort to avoid crowds and the risk of COVID-19 infection.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari, Chef de Mission Rosan P Roeslani, General Chairperson of the Central KONI Marciano Norman, general chairman of the national sports federation, as well as athletes and coaches who were present virtually from their respective national training centers respectively.

"I am Zainudin Amali, the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, on behalf of the Indonesian government, confirming the Indonesian contingent that will compete in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan under the leadership of Chef de Mission, Mr. Rosan Roeslani," said Zainudin as quoted by Antara.

Zainudin said that although it was held virtually, this inauguration did not reduce the meaning of the contingent inauguration tradition which is usually carried out from every departure of the Indonesian team to various multi-event events during normal times.

He said the 28 athletes who will compete in the Tokyo Olympics are selected people who deserve to represent more than 260 million Indonesian people. He advised the athletes not to waste this opportunity by giving the best possible performance in Tokyo.

“Think of this as the last Olympics you've been to. You don't think if you fail at the Olympics this time, you still have a chance four years from now. Get rid of that thought and keep it in your mind that this is the last time,” he said.

"You are provided with all your needs by the leaders of the sports branches, KONI, KOI, so please it is in your mind and in your mind that you will pay for it with achievements and fighting spirit and do not give up before the end of each competition."

After being confirmed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Indonesian contingent for the next Tokyo Olympics will be released by President Joko Widodo from the State Palace at 11.00 WIB.

Indonesia will dispatch 28 athletes who will compete in eight sports at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, namely badminton (11), athletics (2), archery (4), shooting (1), rowing (2), weightlifting (5), surfing (1), and swimming (2).